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If you want to earn some extra cash or become self-employed, you may be trying to learn about the best freelance jobs. You’re in luck! We’ve compiled some of the highest-paying options in the market. That way, you can spend less time researching different gigs and more time applying for them.

If you’re ready to land a freelance job, start your search on ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with just one click!


get started with ziprecruiter

11 Of The Highest-Paying Freelance Jobs

Here are eleven of the highest-paying freelance jobs available:

1. Virtual Assistant

Median National Salary: $39,000+

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent

Number of Jobs: 3.3 million+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: -7% (decline)

Job Duties: Virtual assistants help business owners and executives with administrative or customer service-oriented tasks. As a virtual assistant, you might offer specialized services, like social media campaign management or event management.

For more information, check out our guide on how to become a virtual assistant and how to create a virtual assistant resume.

2. Bookkeeper

Median National Salary: $45,000+

Education Required: Some college (accounting-related coursework can be helpful)

Number of Jobs: 1.6 million+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: -3% (decline)

Job Duties: Bookkeepers record any money going in or out of a business, reconcile financial accounts, and prepare financial statements. As a bookkeeper, you might also process payroll, create budgets, or file tax returns. 

3. Writer

Median National Salary: $69,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 143,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 9% (average)

Job Duties: Writers create various pieces of written content to inform, entertain, inspire, or persuade an audience or target market. As a writer, you could create blog articles, whitepapers, emails, social media posts, e-books, website copy, and more.

For more information, check out our guide to the best writing jobs and learn what to include on a writing resume.

4. Editor

Median National Salary: $63,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 108,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 5% (slower than average)

Job Duties: Editors refine written works to ensure they make sense, flow well, and are free from spelling and grammatical errors. As an editor, you’ll give writers valuable feedback to improve their craft. 

5. Graphic Designer

Median National Salary: $50,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 254,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 3% (slower than average)

Job Duties: Graphic designers create engaging images (generally with a computer) that enhance the text, represent a company’s brand, and compel a target market to take action. As a graphic designer, your work could get featured in digital and print formats.

6. Web Developer

Median National Salary: $77,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 199,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 13% (faster than average)

Job Duties: Web developers build and maintain websites for individuals and companies. As a web developer, you might also create content for the websites you make.

For more information, check out our guide to the highest paying tech jobs.

7. Public Relations (PR) Specialist

Median National Salary: $62,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 272,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 11% (faster than average)

Job Duties: Public relations specialists build and maintain a favorable public image for companies and influential people. As a public relations specialist, you may write speeches, draft press releases, answer queries from the media, and review marketing campaigns for brand cohesion.

8. Software Developer

Median National Salary: $110,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 1.8 million+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 22% (much faster than average)

Job Duties: Software developers create and maintain computer programs and applications. As a software developer, you might work on solutions for consumers or organizations.

For more information, learn how to get a job in IT and the best tech careers.

9. Videographer

Median National Salary: $62,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 63,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 29% (much faster than average)

Job Duties: Videographers film and edit videos. As a videographer, you might create films for personal clients (think a wedding video) or commercial clients (think a video advertisement).

10. Marketing Manager

Median National Salary: $135,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 316,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 10% (average)

Job Duties: Marketing managers develop and execute promotional campaigns to generate leads for a business. As a marketing manager, you might be in charge of social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and more.

11. Interpreter

Median National Salary: $49,000+

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (typically)

Number of Jobs: 81,000+

Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 24% (much faster than average)

Job Duties: Interpreters restate speech in another language to help parties communicate with each other. As an interpreter, you may also convert the spoken word into sign language to help the deaf understand a message.

Where To Find Freelance Jobs

You can find freelance jobs, or gigs, in many places. Here are three that you should check out to begin your search:

ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter is a web-based platform where you can easily search and apply for freelance jobs. Simply enter the type of gig you want into the search bar, use filters to narrow your results, and submit your resume to the desired positions.

You can also upload your resume to ZipRecruiter’s resume database so that recruiters and employers can find you!

For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.


get started with ziprecruiter

Indeed

Indeed is a popular job board that pulls gigs from all over the internet. Similar to ZipRecruiter, you can apply for freelance jobs directly from the platform. 

For more information, check out our Indeed review.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media platform designed for professionals. You can use the website to apply for freelance jobs, advertise that you’re for hire, and communicate with potential clients.

For more information, check out our LinkedIn review.

Additional Freelance Resources

The Bottom Line

The best freelance jobs can put extra money in your pocket or help you start a new career. So, if you’re ready to search for your first gig, head to ZipRecruiter. But, if your resume needs a little help beforehand, consider working with one of our preferred picks for the best resume writing service.